After obtaining an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, Abigail Letts knew that the online M.Ed. Reading Education program would be a good fit.

At first, Abbey was slightly apprehensive about the online program because she had always thought she was a better learner when sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher. Though nervous that she would not gain as much from classes in an online setting, she soon proved herself wrong. Abbey, who earned an undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education – Social Studies and Language Arts, is now enrolled in UGA’s online M.Ed. Reading Education program.

 

Q: Where are you from?

Abbey: I am from Marietta, Georgia. I live in Atlanta now.

 

Q: Where did you work when you started the program, and what did you do?

Abbey: I am a sixth grade Language Arts teacher at a charter school called The GLOBE Academy in the Decatur/Chamblee area of Atlanta.

 

Q: Where do you work now and what do you do?

Abbey: I still work at GLOBE.

 

Q: What made you decide to earn your degree from the University of Georgia?

Abbey: I went to UGA for my undergrad and studied Middle Grades Education – Social Studies and Language Arts. (Go Dawgs!) I loved my undergrad program, so I knew going into it that UGA would be a good fit. The graduate school was great with answering my questions during the research/decision process, and the program seemed like it would be attainable in terms of finding a balance between work/personal life/and grad school. I also have an interest in New Literacies, and liked that the program had a concentration in that area.

 

Q: What advice would you give current or future online students?

Abbey: For future students, I was apprehensive about online classes going into the program. I always thought that I was a better learner “in person” and was concerned that I wouldn’t gain as much in an online setting. I was totally wrong. I have loved the online setting because I can do my work on my own timeline. The flexibility to determine my own schedule has been great. The classes are designed in such a way that you still engage with your peers in discussion on readings, and the projects are meaningful and often applicable to your classroom. I have gotten so many teaching ideas this year from classmates and from assigned readings. For current students, I would just say to manage your time and don’t procrastinate! Be considerate of others when you are working on a group assignment, especially regarding due dates. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors or TA’s for help. The staff within my program has been wonderful in terms of their responsiveness and understanding. They want you to learn and be successful.